ASEAN members should pay more respect for each other`s culture

Jakarta Forum-ANTARA News - An Indonesian lawmaker has underscored the need for ASEAN member states to pay more respect for each other`s culture and territory as a prerequisite to preserve an ASEAN Community they will introduce in 2015.

"To create an ASEAN community we cannot talk about political and economic integration only," Ferdiansyah of the House of Representatives Commission X for education, tourism, youth and sports said.

The politician of the Golkar Party said good understanding of and respect for each other`s culture and territory would play a decisive role in preserving the regional community without disturbing their respective national interests.

Therefore, he expressed hope there would be more cultural activities involving youth organizations in the region now that younger generations would preserve the spirit of ASEAN in the future.

"To better know the territory and culture of each ASEAN member state we cannot merely hold meetings or youth camps but also need to make a concept of the direction, aim and benefit (of the activities). That is what the Culture and Tourism Ministry has done in consultation with our House Commission," he said.

"The next is that there need to be more meetings among ASEAN students," he said.

To that end, he asked the culture and tourism minister to direct the activities for the sake of national interests and to be proactive in following up on the policies, he said.
(T.M036/Uu.S012/H-NG)
Editor: Priyambodo RH Source: Antara News

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